Terming the Board of Control for Cricket in India's conduct during the past year as a "disgrace", former BCCI chief Raj Singh Dungarpur claimed that political bigwig Sharad Pawar [Images] would contest for the president's post in the Board's upcoming elections.

"As far as my knowledge goes, Pawar is contesting," Dungarpur said over phone from Mumbai.

Expressing confidence that Pawar, who had unsuccessfully fought for the top post last year, would emerge victorious this time, Dungarpur said, "Last year also he would have won, but it was Dalmiya who fixed it [elections] first by throwing out two of our supporters from the AGM and then by his casting vote.

"Thankfully, this time Dalmiya will not be presiding," he added.

Dungarpur's claims notwithstanding, speculation continues over Pawar's candidature, as he is non-committal about the entire issue. But as per BCCI's constitution, a representative can announce his candidature even on the floor of the AGM when it is held in Kolkata on September 22-23.

Attacking the ruling group in the BCCI, Dungarpur said, "Their performance during the past one year has been nothing short of disgrace."

Asked whether his faction would opt for another candidate in case Pawar declines to throw his hat in the ring, Dungarpur shot back: "Have you ever asked Dalmiya who he would back if (BCCI chief) R S Mahendra chooses to stay out of the race?"